Such policies demonstrate consistent failure, serving only to render lawful citizens defenseless while empowering criminals to prey with impunity. (Imagine if airports replaced checkpoints with signs!)

Some call armed self-defense an extreme response, but in reality campus carry would only allow permit-holders to protect themselves on campus just as they do off-campus. We'll never know whether one responsibly armed citizen could have stopped the Virginia Tech shooter because armed self-defense is the only outcome colleges specifically prevent.

Because licensing requires federal and state background checks coupled with training, fingerprinting, written exams or range tests, we can't believe that criminals will register murder weapons, or that lawful citizens who've behaved peacefully elsewhere will suddenly snap on campus and become violent.

Concealed carry has steadily increased in recent years, but contrary to criticism, crime has fallen. Government-approved vetting procedures in 49 states virtually guarantee that only responsible citizens have access to meaningful self-defense options. Criminals don't ask for permission.

Campus carry is not untested. More than 200 colleges in six states have allowed it for years without incident. Some colleges even see crime decline, indicating criminals fear armed victims more than the threat of suspension.About 4,500 robberies and 5,000 assaults occur every year on college campuses. Colleges only maintain status quo, and encourage victims to comply or play dead.

Laws must be crafted to favor the law-abiding. Laws requiring innocent victims to disarm merely groom targets for predators. Unless colleges can guarantee safety, Students for Concealed Carry supports stacking the odds in favor of victims by allowing licensed concealed carry on campus.